Fairfax County Volunteer Program Wins National Award

Fairfax County Volunteer Program Wins National
Award

The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court just
received an “Act of Caring” award from the National Association of
Counties (NACo) for its Volunteer Interpreter Program. The award honors
community-based initiatives convened by county governments that enhance
or preserve the quality of life.

The Volunteer Interpreter Program provides interpretive services for all
programs and services provided by the court as well as for the court’s
programs located in other areas of the county. While Spanish is the
primary language provided, the program also provides interpretation in
Korean, Vietnamese, Portuguese, French, Arabic and Italian.

Volunteers are recruited from immigrant communities in the county.
Often, the culture of these communities is one of distrust of the legal
system. The court process can be confusing and intimidating, especially
for citizens who do not have a high proficiency in English and who have
come from cultures very different from our own. The presence of the
volunteer interpreters helps people feel at ease. The volunteer
interpreters work along side the court service staff to identify issues
for each client, determine the appropriate course of action and then
complete the necessary paperwork. The volunteer program has brought
dignity and professionalism to the court and community.

Prior to the creation of this program, court staff had to rely on
friends and relatives of defendants and victims to provide interpretation
services. Volunteers provide the equivalent coverage of two full-time
interpreters at a value of approximately $170,000 per year. There are 30
volunteers and one paid volunteer coordinator.

All Acts of Caring honorees will be recognized at a national ceremony in
Washington, D.C. during National County Government Week in April. For
more information about this NACo award, call 202-942-4222, TTY 711
(Virginia Relay Center). For more information about the Fairfax County
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Volunteer Interpreter
Program, call Letha Braesch at 703-246-4370, TTY 703-691-7320.

FAIRFAX COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO A POLICY OF
NONDISCRIMINATION IN ALL COUNTY PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES AND
WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS UPON REQUEST. TO REQUEST SPECIAL
ACCOMMODATIONS, CALL 703-324-3187 OR TTY-703-324-2935. PLEASE ALLOW
FIVE WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF EVENTS IN ORDER TO MAKE THE NECESSARY
ARRANGEMENTS